Snowmobile Safety

Snowmobile Safety Course

South Dakota has a voluntary snowmobile safety program that is administered by snowmobile clubs affiliated with the South Dakota Snowmobile Association. The courses are designed for both youth and adults who wish to learn more about safely and ethically operating a snowmobile.

Responsibility

Safety, courtesy, and protection of the environment are important to all people who use the outdoors. Snowmobilers share the trail with other snowmobilers and non-motorized groups, such as cross country skiers. All users should respect another person's right to the trail.

Basic Snowmobile Safety Code

Be sure your snowmobile is in topnotch mechanical condition at the beginning of the winter season and throughout the months of use. Familiarize yourself with the snowmobile you are driving by reading the owner's manual. Wear sensible, protective clothing designed for snowmobiling.

Use a full size helmet, goggles, or face shield to prevent injuries from twigs, stones, ice chips, and flying debris.

Avoid wearing long scarves. They may get caught in moving parts of the snowmobile.

Know the terrain you are going to ride. If unfamiliar to you, ask someone who has traveled over it before.

Know the weather forecast and especially the ice and snow conditions in the area.

Always use the buddy system. Never ride alone.

Do not pursue domestic or wild animals. If you see a violation of this rule, report it to the nearest law enforcement officer.

At all times, be sure you have a properly operating lighting system on the snowmobile.

Drowning is one cause of snowmobile fatalities. When not familiar with the thickness of the ice or water currents, avoid these areas.

Don't remove the factory-installed air box or muffler to install one that makes more noise. This would lessen the performance of your snowmobile. The manufacturer is trying hard, for the betterment of the environment, to develop a quieter machine.